I agree with your editorial’s contention that President Obama is right to make the case for intervention in Syria to both houses of Congress, as our representatives should have their voices heard on this issue. I am, however, a bit troubled by your paper’s skepticism with regard to taking action against Syria. Getting involved in another country’s internal affairs is always messy, but when a regime so brazenly flouts the international prohibition on the use of chemical weapons to which our nation is a signatory, our interests and the world’s interests are threatened.

Regardless of Congress’ decision, President Obama should send a message to the Syrian regime, and to others, that to use chemical weapons is to cross a red line. As the world’s lone superpower it is our responsibility to make sure there are repercussions for crossing this line, regardless of our current economic or political problems.

Jonathan Sciarcon, Centennial

The writer is an assistant professor of Middle Eastern and Jewish history at the University of Denver.

This letter was published in the Sept. 4 edition.

By delaying the unilateral bombing of Syria, President Obama proved that cooler heads can sometimes prevail. The Syrian president engaged in evil atrocities with chemical weapons and that fact is beyond dispute. What will now be rightfully disputed is the means and angle of any American response. Once the congressional Republican leaders complete their dithering, let’s hope the American response focuses on the millions of refugees flooding out of Syria into Jordan and Lebanon. Our connectedness to the suffering citizens of Syria goes beyond finding clever places to drop our own bombs.

David W. Knight, Denver

This letter was published in the Sept. 4 edition.

Any military action in Syria should be meaningful and not just a feckless waste of several million dollars in missiles. Also, accompanying that action should be a letter of apology, signed by President Obama and Vice President Biden, to President George W. Bush.

Steven R. Turner, Centennial

This letter was published in the Sept. 4 edition.

U.S. lays out case against Syria in detailed assessment of attack,” Aug. 31 news story.

The Post’s report that the president knew of specific plans to use gas on the Syrian population three days before it happened is a serious blow to President Obama and his assertion of “credibility” as a reason to “punish” Syria by bombing. Credibility? Credibility? The president’s claim of incontrovertible evidence of Bashar al-Assad’s responsibility based on three whole days’ prior knowledge is an outrage. If this evidence was so reliable, why didn’t Obama act to prevent the attack and save all those lives? Inaction in the face of clear evidence of the impending attack is worse than the act itself. Credibility indeed!

Anthony T. Accetta, Denver

This letter was published in the Sept. 4 edition.

There is obviously no doubt that some type of chemical weapons were used on the people of Syria. But there is definitely some confusion and doubt about just who used those weapons.

The rebels have captured many stockpiles of various firearms, munitions and explosives in their endeavor to “liberate” their country. These same rebels have been aided by factions of al-Qaeda, Hamas and, I’m sure, other “players.”

At last report, the rebels were getting their butts kicked by the Syrian army. So why not gas a few of their own — it’s called “collateral damage” — and blame it on the elected government in order to get the sympathy and military aid they need to move forward in their endeavors?

Maybe we should just sit this one out and let the Arab League and the United Nations police that part of the world. The United States has more than enough of its own problems right here at home.

Dave Mitchell, Pine

This letter was published in the Sept. 4 edition.

For information on how to send a letter to the editor, click here. Follow eLetters on Twitter to receive updates about new letters to the editor when they’re posted.

Guidelines: The Post welcomes letters up to 150 words on topics of general interest. Letters must include full name, home address, day and evening phone numbers, and may be edited for length, grammar and accuracy.